Classroom Guidelines for SC49: Biology Teacher Mrs. Moreland Room SA-2 Phone: 480-472-7092 Email: yamoreland@mpsaz.org Quality “Quality is the best you can do, completely finished & on time!” This is an important concept that will be stressed throughout the year. I expect nothing less from you. If you learn to do quality work all of the time, you will achieve success in this class while learning science along the way. Course Description: Biology is a year long science lab course. You will earn 1 credit towards graduation requirements upon successful completion. We will investigate the principles that govern living things including scientific method process skills, classifications, biochemistry, cellular energy, reproduction, genetics, biotechnology, ecological relationships, and evolution-how things change over time. Textbook: Prentice Hall Biology (dragon fly) Kenneth Miller and Joseph Levine: Students may choose a traditional textbook, or use the free on-line version-this option is available to all students, and can be accessed on-line from any computer with an Internet connection. Inquiry Activities Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills using “hands-on” & “mind’s on” activities. Integration of technology Experimental and Modeling labs Elaborating on meaningful note taking skills Outside Projects are a required part of this curriculum. Materials Needed: (by the next Tuesday) if you cannot obtain any of these supplies by then please see me before Tuesday. Composition notebook- quad ruled is preferred, but not mandatory Black or blue pen- to write assignments Colored pencils or pens- to create graphical models of data and to revise and focus lecture notes (no markers, please) Simple calculator- to perform data analysis Highlighter-for critical reading exercises Have all materials out and be ready to work at the beginning of class. A daily agenda will be posted. Prepare as directed. Written Work All work must be done neatly. Work that is not legible will not be accepted. For some assignments, typing is required. (Computers are available for student use on our campus before and after school) Late assignments are NOT accepted. All work are due on the due date. Talk to me before the due date, if there are an extraneous circumstances. All assignments must be completely finished for full credit. If you need help, ask. “I don’t know” is not an excuse for leaving answers blank. If the assignment is not completely finished it will not be stamped!!!!!!! Always use complete sentences. No Copying or Plagiarism is tolerated. Students will be required to submit assignments to turnitin.com for verification. Grading All assignments will be given a point value. Point values will vary depending on the amount of work involved. Letter grades are based on a percentage (%) of the total points possible. Comp Book – 30% Tests – 15% Participation – 20% Assessments & Labs – 15% Projects – 20% *Disclaimer: Any of these guidelines are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the teacher. The grading scale is as follows: 90-100%=A, 80-89%=B, 70-79%=C, 60-69%=D, and 59% and below=F. Participation/Attendance A significant part of your grade in biology will come from your individual participation in class and collaborative work; therefore attendance is important for your success in Biology. Absent/Make-up Work Assignments will be uploaded to my web page’s calendar. Please be sure to check the webpage when you are absent from class. It is the responsibility of the student to take care of any missing work/tests immediately upon returning to class. (General rule is 2 days for each day of absence). Labs and tests will be made up before or after school. Unexcused absences= no credit 10 absences= an audit. You lose credit for the entire semester. (district policy) Rules for Success Be on Time! Have necessary materials each day Be respectful of all people and things at all times. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed unless specifically requested by the teacher. Students not honoring this rule will have their device confiscated and submitted to the grade level administrator. Use Biology class for Biology work only. Class is dismissed by THE TEACHER, not the BELL! Your behavior should be considerate and should not disrupt or interfere with the education of other students. Consequences for Your Choices: Verbal praise Phone call or note home Late homework passes Super science treats Good grades Verbal warning Student calls parents Conference with teacher “Detention Study” Removal from class Semester 1 Course Expectations & Safety & Metrics Scientific Method & Characteristics of Life Cells Structure & Function Ecology Biology: Course Syllabus Semester 2 Cell Reproduction Structure and Function of DNA & RNA Genetics Biochemistry & Water Diversity/Classification Natural Selection & Change through time Sexual Reproduction Health and Wellness Transport & Energy Respiration & Photosynthesis AVID strategies will also be used in class to enhance your learning. The course curriculum has been developed in accordance to the Arizona Science Standards. Extra Credit: Very few extra credit assignments are available. Most are worth 10 points or less. Do not expect “extra credit” to help you pass this course. Please do not ask. I will tell you when they are available. Extra credit is not intended to replace assignments that were not completed. *Disclaimer: Any of these guidelines are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the teacher.